But Mockingjays were never a weapon," said Madge. "They’re just songbirds. Right?" "Yeah, I guess so,” I said, But it’s not true. A mockingbird is just a songbird. A mockingjay is a creature the capitol never intended to exist. They hadn’t counted on the highly controlled jabberjay having the brains to adapt to the wild, to thrive in a new form. They hadn’t anticipated its will to live.
I pull the sleeping bag up to his chin and kiss his forehead, not for the audience, but for me. Because I'm so grateful that he's here, not dead by the stream as I'd thought. So glad I don't have to face Cato alone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses deep gratitude for a loved one's presence and the solace found in companionship during difficult times.
In this quote by Suzanne Collins, the speaker reflects on the powerful emotions of relief and gratitude as they comfort a loved one who is alive and present, contrasting the fear of loss. The act of pulling the sleeping bag up and kissing their forehead symbolizes intimate affection and recognition of the struggles they have faced, showcasing the importance of relationships in overcoming adversity and finding strength in connection.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of family, this quote can highlight the value of shared moments in overcoming challenges.
More from Suzanne Collins
All quotes →Okay, listen to me, you're stronger than they are. You are. They just want a good show, that's all they want. You know how to hunt. Show them how good you are.
You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers. "Real," I answer. "Because that's what you and I do, protect each other.
The ones I loved fly as birds in the open sky above me. Soaring, weaving, calling to me to join them. I want so badly to follow them, but the seawater saturates my wings, making it impossible to lift them. The ones I hated have taken to the water, horrible scaled things that tear my salty flesh with needle teeth. Biting again and again. Dragging me beneath the surface.
My time in the arena made me realize how I needed to stop punishing [my mother] for something she couldn't help, specifically the crushing depression she fell into after my father's death. Because sometimes things happen to people and they're not equipped to deal with them.
Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!
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He wanted to put his arms around her, but she had a darkness that seemed to stand beside her like an acquaintance that would not go away.